Marcella Ellen “Pat” (nee Gilligan) Johnson was born on a farm in eastern South Dakota (Estelline) on September 30, 1910. She lived to be 106. Pat was the last surviving sibling of 14 children. In 1935 Pat married Oren Johnson and moved to Cripple Creek, Colorado, a mining town. The adjustment in elevation of over 8000 feet was only matched by the cultural change from an agriculture area to a mining area. Here she gave birth to two children, Marlys and Robert. In 1942, they moved to Laramie to become part of the Union Pacific Community.
Pat immediately became active in the St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church and actively did fund raising to establish St. Laurence School in 1950, where she worked as a cook for many years. Within the community she served on election boards, March of Dimes block captain, and other charities. As a 35 year breast cancer survivor, she participated in the Susan B. Komen walk for the cure in her nineties.
As her grandchildren grew, she dedicated herself to babysitting and later to housemother as they attended the University of Wyoming. Often hungry grandchildren and friends gathered for breakfast or supper at her small house on “Bath Row” in Laramie.
Preceding Pat in death were 15 members of her Gilligan family, her husband, Oren and her daughter, Marlys.
Pat is survived by her son, Robert (Glee) Johnson and son-in-law, Lamar Capson as well as special friends and care givers, Jean Ryan Oxley, Judy Sisneros, and Trish Musser. Also surviving her are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Grandchildren include, Patty Davis (Carson), Paul Brown (Debbie), Howard Johnson (Katie), Guy Johnson (Nancy), Synve Mitchell (Jim) and Jennifer Johnson (Gary).
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 21, 2016 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church with the Reverend Fr. Dave Erickson, celebrant. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
In lieu of flower memorials may be made to the St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church, 617 S. 4th St. Laramie, WY 82070 and/or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/donate.
Dear, dear Pat, Here departure has left a big hole in our neighborhood, Bath Row. We miss her. My condolences to Bob and family. Very sincerely, Jamie Egolf
Dear, dear Pat. Her departure has left a big hole in our neighborhood, Bath Row. We miss her. My condolences to Bob and family.
Bob and family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Pat. She will be missed. I know your devotion for the care of your mom was outstanding. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcella "Pat" Johnson was truly an amazing person. She had a wonderful memory & was always positive. Pat was so friendly & she knew many people here in Laramie. Students at St. Laurence School remember her fondly when she was a cook there many years ago. The stories that Pat told about her childhood & later times were very intriguing. She will be missed. Friend Jean Ryan Oxley